Cries in the Night
Cries in the Night Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Movie Overview: Cries in the Night
| Movie | Cries in the Night |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Director | William Fruet |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller |
| Runtime | 93 minutes (1h 33m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cries in the Night (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Cries in the Night are led by Kay Hawtrey . The supporting cast, including Lesleh Donaldson and Barry Morse , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Cries in the Night does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Cries in the Night has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Cries in the Night
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, Cries in the Night is a Horror, Thriller film directed by William Fruet, written by Ida Nelson. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kay Hawtrey as Maude Chalmers.
Ending Explained: Cries in the Night
Cries in the Night Ending Explained: A young woman arrives at her grandmother's house, which used to be a funeral home, to help her turn the place into a bed-and-breakfast inn. Directed by William Fruet, this 1980 horror film stars Kay Hawtrey (Maude Chalmers), alongside Lesleh Donaldson as Heather, Barry Morse as Mr. Davis, Dean Garbett as Rick Yates. Rated 5.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Cries in the Night?
A young woman arrives at her grandmother's house, which used to be a funeral home, to help her turn the place into a bed-and-breakfast inn. After they open, however, guests begin disappearing or turning up dead.
William Fruet's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Kay Hawtrey (Maude Chalmers)'s journey. After they open, however, guests begin disappearing or turning up dead.
How Does Kay Hawtrey (Maude Chalmers)'s Story End?
- Kay Hawtrey: Kay Hawtrey's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Lesleh Donaldson (Heather): Lesleh Donaldson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Barry Morse (Mr. Davis): Barry Morse's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Cries in the Night Mean?
The ending of Cries in the Night brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Kay Hawtrey's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Cries in the Night Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Cries in the Night Based on a True Story?
No, Cries in the Night is a work of fiction. While the horror, thriller film directed by William Fruet and starring Kay Hawtrey may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Cries in the Night?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Where to Watch Cries in the Night Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
ChillingCries in the Night Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about Cries in the Night age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cries in the Night (1980) is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Directed by William Fruet, the film runs for 93 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, Cries in the Night is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cries in the Night worth watching?
Cries in the Night is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cries in the Night parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cries in the Night identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Cries in the Night (1980)?
The runtime of Cries in the Night (1980) is 93 minutes (approximately 1h 33m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
